TRANSPORT TO AIRPORT
The Airport Express, operated by MTR, provides a direct connection between the city center of Hong Kong and the airport. The train service begins at Hong Kong Station, with stops at Kowloon Station, Tsing Yi Station, Airport Station, before terminating at AsiaWorld-Expo Station. The journey from Hong Kong Station to the airport takes approximately 24 minutes.
Adtranz-CAF trains are used for this service, featuring modern cabins with well-padded seats and ample luggage storage space. On the train I rode, there was a special panda theme that added a charming touch to the journey.
CHECK-IN
Air France shares check-in counters with KLM at Aisle D of Hong Kong Airport Terminal 1. A dedicated lane is available for passengers with Sky Priority privileges, reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall experience for premium travelers.
LOUNGE
Air France does not have its own lounge at Hong Kong International Airport. Previously, there was a SkyTeam Lounge for member airlines of the alliance, but it was permanently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Air France passengers can access the Qantas Hong Kong Lounge, located on Level 7 of the East Hall of Terminal 1, near Gate 5. During my visit, which coincided with Chinese New Year’s Eve, the lounge was beautifully decorated for the festive season.
After passing through the reception, you'll discover a long bar showcasing a diverse range of alcoholic beverages.
One of the aspects I truly admired about this lounge was the generous room to relax and unwind. It features a high ceiling and an expansive layout, providing an excellent view of the airport concourse and the tarmac. The seating options are plentiful, ranging from comfortable sofas to restaurant-style dining tables, allowing you to choose a spot that best suits your needs.
The lounge boasts a buffet section showcasing international cuisine, with a detailed menu of offerings displayed at each station.
And, of course, they offer their signature caramel cheesecake, which is a must-try.
Lounge attendants would stroll through the lounge with a trolley, offering dim sum to passengers.
BOARDING
Boarding for my flight began on schedule at Gate 5. Conveniently located directly beneath the lounge, I didn't need to allocate much time for travel after my visit. I appreciated the modern design of the boarding gate, which featured large monitors displaying the flight number, departure time, and travel destination information.
There is a dedicated jet bridge for passengers traveling in business class.
Welcome aboard this one-year-old Air France A350-900 (F-HUVB), named Les Sables-d'Olonne.
SEAT FEATURES
Air France’s OPERA Business Class seat, designed by STELIA Aerospace, features a herringbone layout with a 1-2-1 arrangement, which allows each seat direct aisle access. Before boarding, amenities such as blankets, pillows, slippers, and clothes hangers are already placed at each seat for passengers' enjoyment.
Each seat is equipped with a large 20-inch 4K UHD screen, wireless charging pad, and dedicated storage space with a closing door.
A dedicated tablet is located at the side of each seat, allowing passengers to control the seat, manage the screen, and access flight information at their fingertips.
This aircraft features electronically dimmable windows, allowing passengers to adjust the tint from transparent to complete blackout with the press of a button.
Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engine adorned with the beautiful winged seahorse logo (hippocampe ailé).
The seat can be fully reclined to form a comfortable flat bed, measuring 2 meters in length and almost 70 centimeters in width.
Each seat is equipped with a closing door, which further enhances privacy.
INFLIGHT SERVICE
A restaurant-style menu was distributed to passengers before takeoff, outlining the food and beverage offerings for supper, mid-flight snacks, and breakfast.
Supper service commenced shortly after takeoff, featuring a carefully curated starter choice served alongside a vibrant salad, a beautifully presented cheese platter, and an exquisite dessert, all elegantly arranged on a single tray.
For this flight, passengers were offered duck foie gras and seared tuna as starters. I particularly enjoyed the tuna, captivated by its fresh flavor and tender texture.
I chose the grilled beef fillet as my main course. The beef was expertly cooked, boasting a savory flavor that was further enhanced by its natural juiciness.
The breakfast was beautifully presented with generous portions. I chose the cheese omelet paired with poultry sausage, mushrooms, and spinach.
ARRIVAL
After around 14 hours of flying, we arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in the early morning.
Bienvenue à Paris!
